Thelma Ruth McDaniel

Thelma Ruth McDaniel, 95, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2015 in Raleigh. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She was born on June 11, 1919 in Statesboro, Georgia to Charles Walter Taylor and Pluma Ann Thomas Taylor.

She graduated a year early from high school in Bradenton, Florida, took the civil service exam, and moved to Washington, D.C. with her best friend Frances Wiley. Upon graduation from business college she began working for four star generals at the Pentagon and eventually worked for Nobel Prize winning scientist William Shockley, who invented the transistor.

It was there in Washington, DC that she met and married Clem Manly McDaniel. They had two children Karen and John. Clem opened Veteran Motor Sales in Washington, DC and they settled down in Alexandria, Va.

They moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1953 upon the advice of an allergy doctor only to discover that many of the same plants had been planted there from the Southeast.

They moved to Raleigh, N.C. In 1954 where Thelma helped Clem as he built houses and subdivisions throughout Wake County. She became a Real Estate Broker and managed Wakecroft Developers, Ltd. and McDaniel Realty.

Summers were filled with growing and processing fresh fruit and vegetables, swimming, fishing, trips to the beach, and horseback riding. Thelma was a legendary cook. Her hobbies included reading, sewing, and caring for family, wildlife, and pets.

They were active members of Millbrook United Methodist Church.

She was predeceased by her parents Charles W. Taylor, Pluma A. Taylor, her husband Clem McDaniel, and her brother McCoy Taylor. She is survived by her sister Dorothy Obenchain, her children Karen Robertson and John McDaniel, her grandchildren Lisa Brown (Chad), Rich Robertson, and Ken McDaniel, and great grandchildren Lindsey and Connor Brown.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Steven M. Liebowitz for his wisdom and care of Thelma during her stay at Universal Healthcare of North Raleigh. She enjoyed the friendship of many residents, nurses, CNA's, and members of the staff at Universal Healthcare. Especially beloved were the friendships of the Senior Bridge CNA's who helped her 24 hours a day. Amedysis Hospice provided support to Thelma in recent months. The family is grateful for the personal care and love she received.

Visitation will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 04, 2015 with the funeral at 3:00 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home at 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh. Burial will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Millbrook United Methodist Church.